Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho 

Kandariya Mahadev temple is the largest and the most magnificent temple among the Khajuraho group of temples in Madhya_Pradesh. It was built during the reign of the great Chandela Ruler Vidyadhara (1003 AD-1035 AD) to commemorate his victory over the muslim invader Mahmud of Ghazni. Kandariya Mahadev or the “Great God of the caves” Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The elegant proportions of this building and its sculptural detailing are the most refined examples of Central Indian temple architecture.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is 31 metres (102 ft) in height, and is the largest among the three groups of the Khajuraho temple complex. The temple faces east and is built over a massive platform or Adhisthana which is 4 mt high. There are flight of steps leading to the entrance. The Temple structure consists of Ardha Mandapa or entrance porch, Mandapa or hall, Maha mandapa or the great hall, Antartala or the vestibule and the Garbh griha or the Sanctum Sanctorum.

In profile the pyramidal porch, mandapa roofs and conical shikhara looks like a range of mountain (symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world) rising upwards till it meets the sky, or Shiva. The main tower or Shikhara is encircled by a series of interlinked towers and spires of smaller size. These are in the form of a repeated subset of miniature spires that abut a central core which gives the temple an unevenly cut contour similar to the shape of Mount Kailasa – the abode of Lord Shiva.

Right at the entrance there is torana which is like a garland of flowers strung across the door way to make your entrance both auspicious and hallowed. The garland has been carved out of a single stone and draped with loops from one side of the doorway to the other. The torana stems out of the mouths of makaras, ever-watchful mythical crocodiles, and within the folds of the garland are tiny nymphs who seem to be carrying it ac.